harvematel

Harvematel is a term in the Estonian language used to express that something occurs less often than usual or than another reference point. It functions in combination with plural nouns denoting occasions or times, such as kordadel, to form phrases like harvematel kordadel, meaning “on rarer occasions.” The form is typically encountered in written Estonian, including formal prose and reporting, and it helps mark a contrast in frequency.

Etymology and form notes: Harvematel derives from the adjective harva, meaning rare, with the comparative element harvem and the plural adessive suffix -atel that attaches to a noun like kord (occasion) to indicate time expressed in the plural. This construction enables speakers to specify a lower occurrence rate relative to a baseline reference.

Usage: The expression is commonly used to contrast with more frequent occurrences, often paired with phrases such as kui tavaliselt (than usual) or tavapärase sagedusega (with the usual frequency). It can appear in journalism, academic writing, and narrative text when describing patterns, changes, or exceptional cases. In everyday speech, speakers may opt for simpler alternatives like mitte nii sageli or harva, but harvematel kordadel provides a precise, formal nuance.

Examples (Estonian with English gloss):

- Harvematel kordadel on ilm soojem kui tavaliselt. (On rarer occasions the weather is warmer than usual.)

- Harvematel kordadel võetakse ette suuremaid muudatusi. (On rarer occasions larger changes are undertaken.)

See also: frequently, harva, sageli, frequency expressions in Estonian.